IN THIS ISSUE 3 8 13 9 10 11 - alpenaseniors.com

IN THIS ISSUE... 3 From the Director 8 November Activities 13 Soup & Bread

4 How We Helped 9 November Menu 14 Thanksgiving Dinner

6 Rech Program 10 Holiday Cookie Sale

7 Planning Ahead 11 Nutrition for the Brain

2 - “501” River News - November 20202 - “501” River News - November 2020

Kendra Tuscher, Sr. Resource Coordinator email: [email protected]

Mike Stauffer, In-Home Service Manageremail: [email protected]

MacKenzie Tolan, Activities Coordinatoremail: [email protected]

Lillian Johnson, Financial Administratoremail: [email protected]

Andrea Hepburn, Directoremail: [email protected]

Tracy Niedzwiecki, PR/Graphic Designeremail: [email protected]

Brian Wozniak, Maintenanceemail: [email protected]

Julie Robinette, MMAP Counseloremail: [email protected]

Cindy Josey, In-Home Service Coordinatoremail: [email protected]

Joette Putkamer, Accounts Receivable/HRemail: [email protected]

Kitchen

BJ Sander, Program Manageremail:[email protected]

STAFF EXTENSIONSSTAFF EXTENSIONS

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Website: www.alpenaseniors.com Phone: 989-356-3585 or 888-251-1082 Fax: 989-356-6548 Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

BOARD OF DIRECTORSBill Forbush - President

Wendy Servia - Vice PresidentMatt Poli - Secretary

Josh Viegelahn - TreasurerJerry Broad l Tim Moran

Alex Senchuk l Lorri RondeauEd Black

ADVISORY COUNCILRuss Rhynard, Chairman

Don Gilmet l Margie HaaxmaBJ Sander l Jackie Krawczak

OUR MISSION STATEMENTTo promote and protect dignity,

independence and welfare of older adultsthroughout Alpena County.

OUR VISIONThe Alpena Area Senior Citizens Center is

the focal point in Alpena County of leadership, innovation and advocacy in

providing Senior Services

Annual Part DOpen EnrollmentIf you have a Medical Part D prescription Drug Plan, then October 15th through December 7th is your “sign-up window” to review the 2021 plans with a certified MMAP Counselor (Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program) and choose a new drug plan that would start January 1st.

Please call 356-3585 to schedule your appointment for Open Enrollment now.

“501” River News - November 2020 - 3 “501” River News - November 2020 - 3

Happy November to our Senior Friends,

It is shocking to me that it is already November and how different this year has been for all of us. So many changes but through this whole pandemic I also feel we have had many opportunities. We are learning different ways to communicate and support others as well as different ways to learn and service the senior population in Alpena County.

We kicked off our first virtual book club partnering with University of Michigan students and staff, seniors, BJ and myself. I have to say it is so exciting and I am looking forward to the next 7-weeks. Through this opportunity I feel we are going to learn to set goals, learn more about health and nutrition and offer support to each other, helping us to achieve our goals, big or small.

Back in November of 1983, President Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. At that time there were less than 2 million Americans that had Alzheimer’s and today the number of people with the disease has soared to more than 5 million.

We here at the Alpena Senior Center are dedicated to helping those who face Alzheimer’s or dementia as the person affected by the disease or as a caregiver for someone you love. I want to share a little bit about why I am so passionate about dementia and those who care for someone touched by this disease. I have always loved working with the senior population and started working at the Caring Place, an adult day center in Alpena, when I was 17 and then continued on my journey in my early 20’s as a Social Services Coordinator and Marketing Coordinator with at that time Tendercare. Seventeen years later I chose to take the position as Director here. During my time at Tendercare I co-facilitated the Alzheimer’s support group for 11 years and developed another caregiver group that I ran for 5 years. I have also taken several dementia trainings.

At the Senior Center we have held an early onset support group. BJ and I have become Certified Dementia Practitioners. Mike, BJ and I have become REACH certified, which is a one on one program to assist care-givers caring for someone with dementia and Alzheimer’s. I have also cared for loved ones affected with this disease and want you to know we are here for you. If you would like more information on Alzheimer’s or to learn more about the REACH program please connect with us.

Happy Thanksgiving! Stay safe and healthy! We Miss You!!

From the Director


Healthcare Loan Closet...Check with the Alpena Senior Citizens Center next time you are in need of durable medical supplies. Lots of great supplies have been donated to the Center! We, in turn, loan items out to those who need them. You may keep the items as long as you need it and return it to us when you are done.Items typically on hand are:

Walkers - Canes - Commodes - Shower ChairsWheelchairs & other miscellaneous supplies.

We also have incontinence products available. If you have questions about our Healthcare Loan Closet, call us at 356-3585. We’ll be glad to help!

Book Club In case you haven’t heard, we have started a virtual book club, partnering with University of Michigan students and staff. We recently had our first meeting with over 14 people participating. The excitement was contagious, and the participation was awesome as we started our first book “Diet for the Mind”.

This book club is part of our “Teaching Kitchen” grant, funded by the Allen Foundation. Stay tuned for many more exciting developments as we move forward.

How We Helped...In September 2020, the Alpena Senior Citizens Center provided these services for the Seniors of Alpena County...Our Nutritonal ProgramWe served 334 congregate meals.Our In-Home Service Program Provided 29 hours of Respite Care Services, 877.75 of Homemaker Services, 205.5 hours of Personal Care Services and delivered 4,308 Meals On Wheels.

National Family Caregivers MonthFamily caregivers fulfill a variety of roles. In addition to becoming experts about their loved ones’ health, they act as liaisons with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and legal and financial entities. They prepare food, perform housekeeping, transportation and hygiene duties, and often provide very sophisticated care, including managing complex medication schedules. They sometimes deal with problem behaviors and offer socialization for those suffering from long-term illnesses. And this time of year, with holidays approaching, families are often overwhelmed by emotional distress as they cope with losses and memories of other, better times.

Families are truly the backbone of the long-term care system in the US.

Retirement Living

300 Oxbow Drive • Alpena, [email protected]: (989) 354-4200

ResideResideResideResideResideResideReflectReflectReflectReflectReflectReflect

Relax

• Independent/Assisted/Respite Care Options ~ RN on staff

• Long-term care insurance accepted

• 24 hour personal care assistance

• Assistance with medication

• Three home-cooked meals per day

• Emergency call and security system

• Weekly housekeeping and laundry services

• Many therapeutic and social activities

WelcomeWelcomeWelcomeWelcomeWelcomeWelcomeWelcomeWelcomeWelcomeWelcomeTours

Mission StatementThe desire of Retirement Living is to honor God by providing the elderly with a lifestyle that values their identity, their independence and their dignity.

Retirement Living

300 Oxbow Dr., Alpena, MI 49707www.rlmgmt.com ~ [email protected]

PH (989) 354-4200

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300 Oxbow Drive • Alpena, MI300 Oxbow Drive • Alpena, MI300 Oxbow Drive • Alpena, MI

Phone: (989) 354-4200Phone: (989) 354-4200

989.356.2194 989.356.6874 301 Long Rapids Rd, Alpena, MI 49707

www.MediLodgeofAlpena.com

If you have any questions, call MediLodge of Alpena.Ask for George Sobeck at 989.464.0665

“Homecoming” after hospitalization: When staying home is the goal, you have 30 days to utilize your Medicare

therapy benefit to ensure you stay home.

Family ofProfessionals

You AreNot Alone

Safety andSecurity

A Plan forYour Recovery

Recover Rejuvenate Revitalize Return Home

Rx SyncPick up your prescriptions

once a month or every 90 days.• Less Running• More Convenient • Automatic Refills• FREE Delivery

• Free Strips every month • Free Meter• No Prescription Required• Use SYNC to fill with your

monthly prescriptions.

Medication Strip PackagingOrganized by date and time

Securely sealed and clearly labeledFREE Delivery

(989) 354-3189www.lefavepharmacy.com

“Caring about YOU...Since 1976”

Drive Thru Service Now Available!

Store Hours: Monday - Friday

9am-7pm Sat. 9am-2pm Sunday Closed

(989) 354-3189

1202 W. Chisholm StAlpena, MI 49707

“Caring about YOU...Since 1976”

Bringing compassionate clinical care and support services into the home when you need it most.

(800) 342-7711 | mclaren.org/northern

HOME CARE & HOSPICE

Bringing compassionate clinical care and support services into the home when you need it most.

(800) 342-7711 | mclaren.org/northern

HOME CARE & HOSPICE

127 Park Place Alpena, MI 49707

Robert M. Currier, D.O., FOCOOCertified Ophthalmologist

(989)354-3171 1-800-772-1015

[email protected]

OPHTHALMOLOGYDISEASES AND SURGERY OF THE EYE

…for all your real estate needs!CALL 989-356-1177

COUPON

Reach Your Target Market

CALL JOE

TODAY 989-356-0834

PUT YOUR AD HEREALLEGRAALPENA.COM • 829 W. CHISHOLM ST. • 989-356-0834

MARKETING PRINT MAIL DESIGN WEB

SIGNS PROMO APPAREL PUBLISHING


National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness MonthThe month of November is known as Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. President Ronald Reagan made that designation in 1983 and it is something that is still recognized today. According to the Alzheimer’s Associ-ation, at that time there were less than two million people with the disease. Through the years that number has grown to more than five million.

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that leads to memory, thinking and behavior problems. It is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases. It is also the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.

Alzheimer’s disease gets worse over time and eventually comes to a point where a person can no longer accomplish daily tasks. In the beginning, memory problems are mild, but as the disease progresses, patients become unaware of their environment and may no longer be able to carry on a conversation. Once their symptoms become noticeable, Alzheimer’s patients typically live an average of eight years, but can survive for as many as 20 years depending on other health factors.

Although those ages 65 and older are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, there are thousands of others under the age of 65 who have early-onset Alzheimer’s.

REACH ProgramResources Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health serves family caregivers who are providing assistance to a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. The program uses a “coaching” model rather than the usual caseworker or classroom approach to sup-porting caregivers.

The coach takes REACH into the homes of the families, other location of the caregiver’s choice, or virtually, scheduled at a time that is convenient for them. During the allotted sessions, the coach and caregiver work together to identify which issues are causing the most difficulty and then develop strategies to overcome the challenges.

Caregivers also receive training in stress management and coping with dementia behaviors. The caregiver not only gains information but also learns new problem solving and coping skills that will serve them long after their involvement in the program has ended.

If you are a family caregiver providing assistance to a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia and are interested in working with one of our coaches please give us a call at 356-3585. Our three certified coaches are BJ, Annie and Mike.


Planning AheadWhen it comes to eating well planning is essential. Maintaining a good diet is nearly impossible without some basic meal planning: creating a menu, making a grocery list, and prepping meals ahead of time. By getting into the routine of meal planning you are mak-ing it a habit and in time you will find it to be second nature. Here are some tips to make it easy:

• Plan your menu for the week. Set aside time at the begin-ning of each week to write out a weekly menu, including what you’ll eat if you go out for dinner or dig intoleftovers. Write out a grocery list for all meal ingredients.

• Prepare. Take a few hours after you do your weekly shopping to prep, chop and even cook large por-tions so that you don’t have to fuss when you’re busiest.

• Consider a grocery-store delivery service. A service like this can be invaluable if you’re pressed fortime or on a budget because you will not be tempted to grab unnecessary “impulse” items that rack upthe bill.

• Read labels. Reading labels doesn’t help you understand the best nutrients; it helps you weed out thebad ones.

• Let yourself feel hungry. Don’t let yourself stay hungry but do train your eating habits so that yourbody uses food efficiently and triggers hunger when you need more food. This means not overeating atmeals.

• Avoid temptation. Find activities that distract you if you tend to eat when you’re not hungry. Do notbring foods into your home that will trigger you to overeat, and never eat out of a box, or bag…alwaysportion it out.

• Be prepared for snack attacks. Carry nuts, fruit, vegetables and trail mix with you so you can eat nutri-tious food when you need it.

• Get into the mindset of being a person who eats well. Know your weaknesses, and don’t focus onhow hard it is to change. Think about how much healthier your brain and body will be.

NOVEMBER COMMODITIES PICK-UP SCHEDULENovember 2nd Noon to 5:00 pmNovember 3rd 8:00 am to 5:00 pmNovember 4th 8:00 am to 5:00 pmNovember 5th 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Dessert Before DinnerJust a sneak peek into our December fundraiser. Starting December 1st call us with your “Dessert Before Dinner” order. There will be a choice of 3 dessert lasagnas. You must have your order in by December 7th. Stay tuned for additional information or feel free to call the center at 356-3585.

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Nutrition for the brainFood serves so many important purposes in our lives. Food-related activities bring us together with the people who are important in our lives. Food gives us pleasure, stimulation, and comfort. The behavioral disorders related to food create or sustain terrible distress. Food deficiency or deprivation is a source of great suffering. In so many ways, food can make life better or worse. It can make health better or worse, too.

Much research has been directed at understanding how dietary patterns affect the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and here too food can play a positive, health-improving role…or a destructive and disease-promoting role. The World Health Organization recently concluded that many cases of cognitive decline could be delayed or prevented through adopting a healthier lifestyle. Physical activity, diet, smoking cessation, and attention to chronic medical diseases are all important contributors to healthier cognitive aging. So, what do we know about food and Alzheimer’s disease?

The research is in: Eating certain foods (and avoiding others) has been shown to slow brain aging by 7.5 years and lessen the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

This isn’t some trendy diet of the moment. Born as a hybrid of two existing eating styles with decades of research at their backs — the DASH diet and Mediterranean diet — university researchers developed the MIND diet to emphasize foods that impact brain health.

Just like Mom always told you: Eat your vegetables. But unique to the MIND diet, researchers found that green leafy ones like kale, collards, spinach or lettuce were specifically shown to lower the risk of dementia and cognitive decline.

Greens are packed with nutrients linked to better brain health like folate, vitamin E, carotenoids and flavo-noids. And one serving a day has been shown to slow brain aging.

To max out your veggie score, aim to eat at least six servings a week of greens. Then round it out with at least one serving of other vegetables a day.

Nothing against the apple a day, but when scientists reviewed the research on diet and brain health, one type of fruit soared above the rest: berries.

In a 20-year study of over 16,000 older adults, those who ate the most blueberries and strawberries had the slowest rates of cognitive decline. Researchers credit the high levels of flavonoids in berries with the bene-fit.

Treat yourself to two or more berry servings a week for peak brain health.

Nuts may be high in calories and fat, but they’re packed with fat-soluble vitamin E, known for its brain-pro-tective qualities.

Grab a handful at least five times a week instead of processed snacks like chips or pastries. Check the list of ingredients and opt for the dry-roasted or raw, unsalted kind without extra sodium, sweeteners or oils. (Hint: No-stir peanut butters have stuff added.)

Another Mediterranean diet staple that has a home in the MIND diet is olive oil. Researchers recommend using it as your primary cooking oil and avoiding butter and margarine.

New to olive oil? Look for “extra virgin” olive oil (skip anything labeled “light”) and choose a bottle that’s opaque or dark glass since light causes it to go bad faster.

Brain-healthy eating encourages consuming meat sparingly (red meat makes an appearance fewer than four times a week in the ideal MIND diet). Beans, lentils and soybeans, which pack protein and fiber, make a worthy substitute. They’ll keep you full and are rich in B vitamins, which are important for brain health.

Assisted Living in Beautiful Hillman!Excellent Care, Safe, Licensed

(989) 742-2699 • www.hillmanshaven.com Visit us at 200 N. Elizabeth St.

“Our home is where the heart is.”

No matter who you are...You are welcome here!

first congregationalunited church of christ

201 S. Second Ave. • Downtown Alpena

Sunday worship 10:00a.m.

989-356-6366www.deanarbouralpena.com

1001 U.S. 23 N, Alpena

Ask about our Senior Citizens Parts & Service Discount

• FREE Shuttle (up to 35 miles)• FREE Pickup & Delivery (up to 35 miles)

Call Dial-A-Ride for all your transportation needs:

Mon-Fri: 7am-7pm Sat: 8am-5pm

Sun: 9am-4pm

356-4596

Remember to call at least 1 hour in advance of your trip – the day prior is even better!

Dial-A-Ride… Serving our adult senior community members for 40 Years!

www.allegraalpena.com [email protected]

YOUR ONE STOP

SIGNSHOP

• Vinyl Lettering• Window Graphics• Vehicle Wraps• Banners & Decals

• Illuminated Signs• Channel Letters• LED & Mounted Signs• Event Displays

829 W. CHISHOLM ST. ALPENA 989-356-0834

Professional Hair Care989-255-9265

2483 US 23 SouthAlpena, MI 49707

Next to Eye Talk

325 Johnson St. Alpena • 989-884-9787www.besserseniorliving.com

Memory Care

Assisted Living

Making a positive diff erence in the lives of our residents!

Besser Senior Living Community residents receive supervision, assistance and healthcare services

as needed, to maintain their dignity, while promoting maximum independence.

In addition to exceptional care, residents enjoy delicious meals and engaging social activities.

~NEW PATIENTS WELCOME~

(989) 354-8340215 S. Ripley Blvd., Alpena, Michigan

Call Dial-A-Ride for all your transportation needs:

For current hours & days of operation, visit www.thunderbaytransportation.com

356-4596

Remember to call at least 1 hour in advance of your trip – the day prior is even better!

Dial-A-Ride… Serving our senior community members for 40 Years!


SOUP AND BREAD FUNDRAISERSupporting Senior Programs

Call the Alpena Senior Center 356-3585 every week, to order your choice of soup and a loaf of homemade bread to be picked up every Friday. Soups and bread are made by our kitchen staff. The cost for one quart of soup and a loaf of bread is only $12.00. Also available: a loaf of bread for $4.00 and a quart of soup for $8.00.

Week of November 2nd: Five Bean, Cream of Cauliflower and Russian Week of November 9th: Polish Kielbasa, Apple Squash and Vegetable Beef BarleyWeek of November 16th: Corn Chowder, Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Wild Rice

Week of November 23rd: Tomato Vegetable, Loaded Bk. Potato and Cream/MushroomWeek of November 30th: Chili, Russian and Cream of Asparagus

ROCK PAINTINGJoin us on November 20th via Zoom at 2:00pm to paint a rock in honor of a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Please call by November 13th to reserve your paint kit and rock. The cost for the kit, $10.00, will be donated to a dementia program. Please call BJ at 356-3585 for further information.

SUPPORT ALPENA SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER


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Alpena Senior Citizens Center501 River Street

Alpena, MI 49707

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Alpena Senior Citizens Center501 River Street

Alpena, MI 49707Thanks to Dorothy Sharp & the Bridge Group, and Joyce Iles for the donation in memory of

Audrey Thomas

J.Michael Kearly & George Manning

Linda McGillMr. & Mrs. Larry Clark

Knights of Columbus St. Mary’s Council 99962 KalamazooFor your generous donations

ALPENA SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER501 RIVER STREETALPENA MI 49707

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